What is Collections Management?

Collections Management is a term museums use to describe how they manage and care for their collections of objects. When museums refer to 'objects', they simply mean anything they collect: documents, antiques, paintings, books, coins, stamps etc...

The two main aims of Collections Management are:

• To enable collectors to make full use of their collections, so that they get the greatest benefit, enjoyment or return on their investment.
• To ensure that the objects in collections are preserved for the future.

The three main stages to Collections Management are:

• Cataloguing

Using a computer database, we create catalogues for your collections, bringing together all the information about your objects into one searchable resource:

See Cataloguing for more details.

• Digitisation

Using digital photography and scanning, we create a visual record of the objects in your collections, which can then be attached to the relevant catalogue record (as well as being used for many other purposes!).

From the smallest to the largest of objects, we can create digital images of your entire collection.

See Digitisation for more details.

• Conservation and Storage

Using archival quality materials and our knowledge of the latest conservation procedures and practices, we can help you care for and store your collections in the best possible way to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

See Conservation and Storage for more details.

Who Needs Collections Management?

The simple answer is 'anyone with a collection'.

Whether you are a museum, a private collector, a society or a business, good Collections Management can have great benefits for your collections.

Museums always have large collections of objects in their storerooms, and it is a time-consuming and labour-intensive task to look after them, especially for museum staff who are not Collections Management specialists. We can provide the required expertise without the expense of hiring full-time staff.

Private collectors often spend years gathering their valuable and treasured collections. We can help provide these collections with the high level of professional care they deserve.

Societies, clubs and other organisations also often have important collections. As well as helping to organise and conserve these collections, we can help put them to good use e.g. by designing an exhibition or booklet celebrating the society's heritage. We can also create an archive recording the society's history, past members, events and achievements.

Businesses usually have slightly different types of collections to museums, but they are still important and valuable. We can organise, catalogue, digitise and pack all sorts of business records and other materials. We can even create a complete Institutional Archive containing paperwork, reports, publications, policies etc., all in one integrated and digitised archive. 

At Singapore Museum Services, we believe all collections deserve the best possible professional Collections Management.

To that end, we provide:

• Specialist staff, trained and experienced in all  aspects of Collections Management.
• Specialist equipment, such as digital photography studios and large size scanners.
• Specialist supplies, such as archival quality conservation and packing materials,  acid-free  tissue and boxes, and inert plastic protective covers.

See Cataloguing, Digitisation and Conservation and Storage for more details on what we can do.